How it Works

Glasdegib is a drug used to treat cancer by blocking a signaling pathway that helps cancer cells grow and multiply. It does this by inhibiting a protein called the smoothen (SMO) receptor, which is involved in the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. This pathway controls how cells grow and develop; if it is constantly active, it can lead to cancer development. 

By blocking the smoothen receptor, Glasdegib disrupts the Hh pathway and can affect the behavior of cancer cells, including inhibiting the survival of cancer stem cells, which can contribute to drug resistance and the recurrence of cancer. 

By inhibiting this pathway, Glasdegib prevents the growth and spread of cancer cells.

How it’s Administered

• Can be given in oral tablets

Who Should Take Glasdegib

• Newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia in patients over 75 years or patients who have comorbidities that preclude use of intense chemotherapy.

Who Shouldn’t Take Glasdegib  

• Pregnancy: is important to inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before starting treatment, as it may cause harm to the fetus.
• Breastfeeding women should suspend breastfeeding if they start taking this medication. 
• Patients (male and female) must take contraceptives when taking the treatment and 3 months after terminating treatment with Glasdegib. 

The most common side effects of taking Glasdegib include:

• Decreased blood cell counts: Your levels of platelets, white and red blood cells may temporarily drop. Which may cause, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, increased risk of infections, bleeding or bruising. 
• Tiredness, muscle pain, decreased appetite 
• Nausea, constipation 
• Rash, pain or sores in the mouth or throat, changes in taste
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of arms and legs 

Commonly Used in Acute Myeloid Leukemia With

• The FDA has not approved glasdegib as a standalone treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
• Low-dose cytarabine for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML in adults 75 years of age or older or with other medical conditions that may prevent them from receiving intensive chemotherapy.
• Cytarabine & Daunorubicin (7+3d)

TAKE A LOOK AT THE AVAILABLE CLINICAL TRIALS FOR AML

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Date last updated: 12/22/22